CEFZ vs VXUS
RiverNorth Active Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEFZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.82% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $42M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.90% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.94% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CEFZ vs VXUS Performance
RiverNorth Active Income ETF (CEFZ) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEFZ returned +7.94% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, CEFZ is up 1.90% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.6% for CEFZ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -8.3% for CEFZ and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEFZ charges 2.82% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $282 vs $5 annually, a gap of $277 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEFZ currently yields 11.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CEFZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7916 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEFZ or VXUS?
CEFZ has an expense ratio of 2.82% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $277 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEFZ or VXUS?
Over the past year CEFZ returned +7.94% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CEFZ annualized +8.71% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEFZ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.6% for CEFZ. Worst drawdown: CEFZ -8.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CEFZ and VXUS?
CEFZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEFZ and VXUS?
CEFZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7916 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEFZ or VXUS?
CEFZ yields 11.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so CEFZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.